In response a public meeting chaired by MVDC councillor Duncan Irvine, MVDC corporate head of service Jack Straw and MVDC chief executive Karen Brimacombe, and attended by around 60 residents, was held at the Leatherhead Community Centre on Monday (January 15).

Mole Valley News

At the meeting several residents pressed the officials on why developers could not be forced to rebuild the pub since it had been demolished without proper permission.

However Cllr Irvine, executive member for planning at MVDC, explained that the developer would likely be able to appeal any attempt to force the rebuilding of the pub as The Royal Oak was not a listed building, in a conservation area or an asset of community value.

He added that the likely cost of fighting this appeal, that he would expect the council to lose, was not considered worthwhile for the taxpayer.

Addressing the crowd he said: "If I wanted an easy way out, standing here in front of all of you, I would say to the developer to rebuild.

Part of the crowd at the meeting (Image: Federica Battiato)

"I do think we have a responsibility to be careful with taxpayers' money. We spent £200,000 alone fighting appeals in 2017.

"I wish we had the tools available to deal with the issue in the way you want us to."

The officials also revealed at the meeting that they believe the intention for The Royal Oak site is to build a residential development.

Mr Straw said: "I'm sure it's no surprise to you but because residential property is top dollar, the developer plans to realise the site for residential purposes."

Many attendees of the meeting were disappointed with this revelation and asked if it is known what kind of residential development is being proposed but Mr Straw said he was unable to provide that information at this time.

Throughout the meeting, members of the crowd expressed anguish and disappointment at how their desires as taxpayers and residents hadn't been met, and some accused the council of not caring.

Addressing the meeting, one resident said: "You have shown a blatant disregard for the community, it's utter arrogance. This whole thing has shown how dysfunctional this council is."

Reflecting on the meeting afterwards Roy Allen, of Elm Drive, said he believed the whole saga showed that the concerns of Leatherhead residents are not top priority for the council.

Demolition of the 19th century Royal Oak pub began on November 23 (Image: Grahame Larter)

He said: "I'm not surprised at all. Essentially, their objective is to fill all empty space in Leatherhead, Bookham and Ashtead with residential buildings.

"Leatherhead is a town that is unfortunately not considered that important down at Pippbrook.

"I've always wondered how a village with such wonderful and talented people can be overlooked so easily.

"Everybody makes mistakes but that's not what you judge people on. If you put it right that's what you will be judged on."

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